Awesome Hawaiian Words You Can Learn In Under 2 Minutes

What’s not to love about Hawaii? I have visited the Hawaiian islands many times myself and will definitely be going again soon (when it is safe of course!). There is so much these islands have to offer for every kind of traveler; whether you’re looking to take your first trip, find an exciting new adventure, or just relax in the sun. No matter the kind of trip, this post will give you the Hawaiian words you need to know!

One of the best things about visiting Hawaii, no matter which island you visit, is getting to experience the wonderful Hawaiian culture. From the second you leave the plane, and the warm and floral air hits you in the face, you are immersed in paradise with a wonderful and rich culture which enhances the undeniable charm of these islands.

To give you a small taste of the Hawaiian language, or to just transport you back to your own memories of these beautiful islands, here are ten Hawaiian words you can learn in under two minutes (with a bonus word that might take you a few tries to get right!).

1. Aloha | [əˈlōˌhä]

Pronounced ah-LOW-ha, this word is often used to simply say ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’, but this greeting also implies a feeling love and affection.

This is why you may often hear of the Hawaiian islands as full of the ‘Aloha Spirit’ where every person gives warmth and positive thoughts to every other person.

2. Mahalo | [məˈhäˌlō]

This Hawaiian word is pronounced ma-HA-low, and means ‘thank you’.

If you want to really thank someone you could say ‘Mahalo nui loa’, which means ‘thank you very much’.

3. Ohana | [oʊhˈɑːnə]

As Lilo and Stitch taught us “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”. Pronounced oh-HAN-ah, this word can apply to close or extended family, or even your dear friends.

4. Lei | [‘leɪ]

Pronounced like the English word ‘lay’, these necklaces are often made of flowers or shells and are a symbol of affection.

If you’re lucky you might get one of these when you arrive at the airport or at your hotel!

5. Luau | [‘lu:aʊ]

This word is pronounced LOO + the ‘ou’ sound in the word ‘ouch’. A luau is like a Hawaiian party, often accompanied by a big feast and some entertainment.

The Luau I went to had activities like canoeing and lei making, and featured a pig slow cooked in the Earth along with traditional poi for dinner. Don’t forget a few Mai Tai’s too!

6. Hula | [‘hu:lə]

Pronounced WHO-la, this is the cultural dance of Hawaii. If you go to a luau, there is a very good chance you’ll see this dance performed.

Hula is beautiful to watch, but there is even more than meets the eye. Hawaiians use the hula to tell their stories and can be performed with chants and/or music.

7. Wikiwiki | [‘wɪkiˌwɪki]

Hawaiians use this word to mean ‘speedy’ or ‘quickly’. This makes sense then where the ‘wiki’ of ‘Wikipedia’ comes in, with how fast information can be updated on there.

8. Hoaloha | [‘hoʊəˌloʊə]

Pronounced Ho-ah-low-ah, this word means ‘friend’ or a ‘beloved companion’. If you spread some Aloha during your visit, you may just find yourself with a Hoaloha or two!

9. Mele Kalikimaka | [‘mɛli kəˌliki’mɑkə]

I have been lucky enough to travel to Hawaii near Christmas time, and as a result heard this word used a lot. Pronounced MEH-lay kuh-lee-key-MA-kah, this word means Merry Christmas.

There won’t be any snow if you visit for Christmas (except maybe atop of the tallest volcano summits), but you’ll likely still see some palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights to celebrate the holiday.

10. Moana | [‘moˌanə]

You have likely heard of ‘Moana’ before from the 2016 movie of the same name. Aside from the main characters name in that film, this word which is pronounced MO-ah-na, means ‘Ocean’ in Hawaiian.

Here is a bonus word for you: Humuhumunukunukuapuaa

Pronounced hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-wāh-poo-wah’ah, if you can say this word for the Hawaiian state fish, you are on your way to learning many more Hawaiian words!